Shop 'Slow' in Park Slope this Friday

By Michele De Meglio

A team of Brooklyn designers wants to change the way you shop.

Textile Arts Center on Carroll Street in Park Slope is teaming up with nearly a dozen eco-friendly apparel and jewelry designers to host a Fashion’s Night Out event on Sept. 10. The event is dubbed “Celebrating ‘Slow,’ ” which is a move away from the way major apparel companies, such as H&M and Old Navy, create their clothes.

“These local designers are working in ways that are sustainable,” said Owyn Ruck, cofounder of Textile Arts Center. “It’s called ‘slow fashion’ because it’s all handmade, made locally, and if they have laborers, they’re all getting paid a fair wage. It’s the opposite of fast fashion, where all these companies outsource their work out of the country.”

The designers’ creations, which include bohemian accessories from Odette and cotton and linen clothes from Wiksten, will be sold at the event. Ruck says shoppers will discover garments that are much more exciting than the pieces in department stores.

“Places like H&M bring trends to the average person,” Ruck said. “But these smaller Brooklyn designers are more creative in their designs and quality because they’re doing it all by hand.”

In keeping with the event’s eco-friendly theme, Textile Arts Center will host a sustainable fashion workshop, during which participants will create a personal Fashion Manifesto, promising to forgo big chain stores in favor of “slow fashion” designers.

Following that, fashion industry experts, including Rogan designer Caroline Priebe and Greta Eagan, founder of www.fashionmegreen.com, will host a panel discussion about the importance of eco-friendly pieces.

And stores throughout the city will stay open late on Sept 10. to greet customers and host special events, including panels and live music.

Fashion’s Night Out: Celebrating “Slow” at Textile Arts Center [505 Carroll St. between Third and Fourth avenues in Park Slope, (718) 369-0222], Sept. 10 at 6 pm. Suggested donation is $10. For info, visit www.textileartscenter.com.

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Pumps & Pleats: My dream bag ain't so dreamy

Photo by Joe Maniscalco

Story by Michèle De Meglio

Every now and then, serious shoppers stumble on the most perfect find. It could be a fabulously flattering A-line dress, the most beautiful blue sapphire necklace or the comfiest Keds kicks.

Last weekend, it was a hobo handbag that spoke to me — literally.

Peeking out of the overflowing shelves at DSW in the Atlantic Terminal was a slouchy peach hobo with a braided strap. It seemed like the perfect purse to wear with spring’s sweet florals so I scooped it up.

Upon closer inspection, I discovered that the bag was designed by a company called Big Buddha. Gosh, this purse would represent peace and enlightenment. Cool!

I found another tag that listed the name of this particular style — Michelle.

It’s a Buddha bag for Michelle, uh, I mean Michèle (I’ve given up trying to find those tiny license plates with one ‘l’ and an accent mark). This thing was made especially for me!

Like all DSW handbags, this hobo was discounted. However, the drop from $100 to $60 was still way too much for a faux leather purse.

But then I caught sight of the shiny gold keychain attached to the strap bearing the words “Big Buddha.” This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I have to buy it!

Last Sunday, I donned worn Levi’s, a periwinkle top with a delicate rose print and my favorite faux leather motorcycle jacket and proudly hoisted my new hobo on my shoulder. This outfit was the coolest mix of sweet and tough I’d ever seen.

There was just one problem — when I got home that night, I discovered black marks all over my peach bag. Apparently, the dark jacket stained the purse. Can you believe it?

On top of that, the hobo style was beyond slouchy. I felt like I was lugging a giant pillowcase stuffed with my most important belongings. It was impossible to find anything!

Sadly, my dream bag was more of a nightmare.

DSW [139 Flatbush Avenue between Atlantic and Fourth avenues in Prospect Heights, (718) 789-6973].

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: Not so cheap baubles at Urban Outfitters

Photos and story by Michèle De Meglio

Urban Outfitters is known for its hipster duds, trendy purses and alleged penchant for stealing the work of independent jewelry designers.

Many fashionistas are ignoring the scandal in favor of buying the hottest accessories, but the question is, should they?

There’s the obvious ethical issues, but let’s consider the financial concerns. Urban Outfitters prices its jewelry as high as $48, which is much more expensive than the $7 rings found at other cheap-chic retailers, such as Claire’s in Kings Plaza mall and Forever 21, which sells funky necklaces for $3.80.

Is there a justifiable reason to spend two or three times as much for fashion jewelry made out of the same cheap metals and plastic beads? Pumps & Pleats headed to Urban Outfitters’ store on Atlantic Avenue in Cobble Hill to find out.

The shop has a modest jewelry collection, much of which features goldtone necklaces with large faux gemstones.

A $28 tiered necklace with more than three dozen teardrop beads is an attention grabber, but too large and impractical for everyday wear.

For $24, you can walk away with an ornate initial pendant. It’s pretty cute but Pumps & Pleats has found similar — and cheaper — necklaces at the abovementioned stores.

An $18 silvertone chain adorned with a tiny plastic bow is quirky but not really suited for the office.

All of these pieces will definitely turn heads, but since they’re made of faux gemstones and mixed metals, they will likely tarnish quickly and probably won’t be worth their price tags.

If you aren’t interested in spending so much for cute bling with a limited lifetime, check out the affordable plastic baubles at Cool Cat in the Fulton Mall. You’re sure to find something just as funky and flashy — and save a whole lot of money.

Urban Outfitters [166 Atlantic Ave. between Clinton and Court streets in Cobble Hill, (718) 488-7143].

Claire’s [5169 Kings Plaza at Flatbush Avenue and Avenue U in Mill Basin, (718) 258-9208].

Forever 21 [5301 Kings Plaza at Flatbush Avenue and Avenue U in Mill Basin, (718) 252-2188].

Cool Cat [489 Fulton St. between Lawrence and Bridge streets in Downtown Brooklyn, (718) 797-1220].

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: American Apparel gets physical with its duds

Story and photos by Michèle De Meglio

American Apparel is famous for its risqué ads featuring curvy gals wearing transparent leotards and striking compromising poses that could rival any porn star. The store’s Web site even boasts photos of an overweight middle-aged man clad in a lace thong, which were shot to showcase his droopy backside. Wow.

Shock value aside, are the store’s duds anything special?

Pumps & Pleats visited the American Apparel shop on Court Street in Brooklyn Heights to check out the wares.

The majority of the store is an homage to basics — standard cotton tees, sweatshirts, short shorts and hoodies. The only standout factor is that they come in nearly all the colors of the rainbow. And one other thing — they’re super expensive. A white T-shirt is $22, a simple sweatshirt is $34, and a cotton and polyester hoodie is $42. You could easily walk away with similar — and cheaper — basics from Old Navy.

The Los Angeles-based American Apparel sells a variety of workout inspired pieces, which seem more suited for lounging than for sweating. For instance, the thong bodysuits ($26) are perfect for recreating Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” video but you shouldn’t try them out in your spin class.

Leggings are a big seller at American Apparel.

If you’re looking for simple black cotton leggings, don’t bother coming here since they’re ridiculously overpriced at $26 a pair.

But if you’re brave enough to wear seriously funky fashions, this is the store for you. Here you can find electric blue liquid leggings coated in glitter ($49), a two-sided pair blending black and shocking pink ($30), and polyester leggings in an old-fashioned floral print inspired by your grandmother’s tackiest couch ($40). Just be careful, wearing such crazy clothing could easily make you a fashion victim.

American Apparel [112 Court St. between State Street and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 855-4627].

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: MAC is whack

Story and photo by Michèle De Meglio

Fashion bloggers live and breathe for MAC cosmetics, which begs the question, “Why?”

The beauty market is oversaturated with plumpers and polishes so it seems odd that a single makeup line would inspire such devotion. Pumps & Pleats headed to the tiny MAC store on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights to discover what all the fuss is about.

The shop is fresh, pristine and loaded with products, but the sales people can be a bit snobbish. Sadly, that’s often the case in many posh — or wannabe posh — beauty boutiques.

Trying to get past the snooty staff, Pumps & Pleats checked out the goods.

Following the hottest cosmetics trend, MAC has a line of mineral makeup. The products are sold separately so by the time you get done purchasing a $32 foundation, $21 blush, $28 powder and other everyday essentials, you’ll be left with an empty wallet.

If you’re really interested in trying the mineral madness for yourself, check out www.bareescentuals.com, which sells a full mineral makeup starter kit for $60.

MAC fares better with its abundant collection of eye shadows in every color of the rainbow. The bright hues are fun but they’re completely impractical for a day at the office. Do you really want to spend $14.50 on a lime green or periwinkle shade that you’ll wear on the dance floor once in a blue moon? You’re better off buying a cheap Wet ‘n Wild knockoff at your nearest drug store.

Seriously, MAC ain’t all that.

MAC [152 Montague St. between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 596-1994].

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: The best work tote

Story and photo by Michèle De Meglio

There’s a trick to finding the perfect purse for work.

You can’t tote anything too flashy (think bedazzled Kathy Van Zeeland satchels) or anything too dull (basic briefcases are so outdated). Instead, you want to carry something elegantly chic yet still fun and hip. Now that’s a tall order. Fortunately, Pumps & Pleats is here to help!

My search started at the boutiques and chain stores in Downtown Brooklyn, where many of the borough’s working gals slave away in cubicles.

Macy’s in the Fulton Mall seemed like the obvious first choice since it stocks hundreds of purses. But a trip around the famed department store’s accessories section brought Franco Sarto’s overly bright totes, Nine West’s metallic shoppers and Lucky Brand’s hippie hobos. None of the purses were office ready or large enough to store file folders and a laptop.

Ann Taylor Loft on Montague Street off Henry Street has a reputation as a “working woman’s shop” so it had to have an awesome purse, right? Wrong. The bags were all way too small and a bit flimsy. (Side note — the white foldover clutch with gold studs is quite cute!)

I headed across the street to Banana Republic. The shop is ridiculously overpriced but it’s known for stylish suits so a proper office handbag had to be there. The Scala tote in muted gray can fit important documents and has an array of functional yet stylish exterior pockets. But there’s one very big catch — it’s $260!

My next stop was the Diane T. boutique on Court Street between Congress and Amity streets in search of something affordable. This sure wasn’t the right place! The store carries super expensive high-end items, none of which were office appropriate anyway.

Feeling dejected, I ditched the expensive shops and hit the Atlantic Center Target where I recently fell in love with a casually cool faded gray Converse purse. This trip was another success!

Nestled in the overflowing racks was a Merona microfiber tote for just $29.99! The black bag is super roomy and loaded with interior and exterior pockets so you can separate all your stuff — and even have a section to store your turkey sandwich for lunch.

What’s the best thing about this bag? It has a hot pink lining. Professional on the outside, party on the inside!

Target [139 Flatbush Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and Fourth Avenue in Prospect Heights, (718) 290-1109].

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: Finding a non-dorky bike helmet

Story and photo by Michèle De Meglio

Is it possible to find a bike helmet that doesn’t make you look like a light bulb? Or a mushroom? Or just totally dorky?

Cyclists may be skeptical but Pumps & Pleats believes there’s always a way to be stylish.

My search for a hot helmet began at Central Sports on Kings Highway and East 14th Street in Midwood.

The two-story shop carries 900 pairs of sneakers and funky skateboards. With a matte black frame and yellow strap, the Triple Eight Brainsaver Rubber Helmet seemed like a good bet but it was dull and didn’t match my blue and white bicycle.

Ride Brooklyn on Bergen Street off Flatbush Avenue in Park Slope has an awesome collection of cruiser cycles and a friendly staff, but the helmets aren’t anything to write home about.

How could this be? Are there no cool helmets in all of Brooklyn?

As I prepared to ride the streets wearing an old Mets cap, an avid cyclist and coworker told me about Nutcase Helmets. They come in the craziest colors and prints imaginable! You can look like a watermelon, an eightball or a rainbow. So many choices!

I found my favorite style at Bespoke Bicycles on Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene. The ocean blue Colorama helmet is covered with glitter and matches my bike perfectly. So sweet! So chic!

These helmets are so cool they’ll make you proud to say, “I’m a Nutcase!”

Bespoke Bicycles [64-B Lafayette Ave. between S. Elliott Place and S. Portland Avenue in Fort Greene, (718) 643-6816].

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: Get pretty at Dashing Diva

Story and photo by Michèle De Meglio

Spring fashions are all about sundresses, bright bags and cute sandals, which means it’s time to get a pedicure.

There’s tons of cheap nail salons in Brooklyn but some of them could make a gal scramble for the nearest bottle of Purell.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a cute and clean place to get your nails trimmed and painted? Well, there is!

Dashing Diva on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights is bringing high-end pampering to the borough’s fashionistas.

The prices are higher than what you’d find in typical hole-in-the-wall salons but the Diva experience is so worth it. Friendly nail technicians use a brand new tool kit on each customer, the entire salon is draped in bubblegum pink and, most importantly, there’s free cosmopolitans on Thursdays and Fridays from 5-9 p.m. Woo-hoo!

But let’s stay on track, this guide isn’t about boozing it up. It’s about finding the perfect polish for spring.

Last year was all about Chanel’s coveted sea-foam green — or the Wet ‘n Wild knockoff that most gals passed off as the real thing. This season is painted in gray. Literally.

Coral and peach are traditional tones for spring but soft, muted gray is all the rage nowadays. When you think about it, gray is the perfect neutral polish to complement your fuschia maxi dress or ocean blue tank top because it allows the garments’ bright shades to steal the spotlight.

With your “Concrete Playground” hue, you’ll be the true star!

Dashing Diva [130 Montague St. between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 802-1788].

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: This raincoat is rad!

Photo by Joe Maniscalco

Story by Michèle De Meglio

Rain, rain go away!

There’s always some brave — or eccentric — folks walking down the street during a rainstorm holding newspapers over their heads or wearing plastic ponchos resembling garbage bags. But what’s cute about that? Nothing!

Pumps & Pleats believes fashionistas must be chic at all times — even with hail hitting their heads.

My search for a rad raincoat began at Eponymy, a cozy women’s apparel and accessories boutique on Bergen Street between Flatbush and Fifth avenues in Park Slope. The shop’s collection of Melissa and Vivienne Westwood rubber shoes is quite cute and practical for puddles but there was no raincoat in sight.

Up next — Epaulet, a men’s and women’s clothing shop on Smith Street between Douglass and Butler streets in Carroll Gardens. A navy GANT parka was waterproof and casually cool but sadly, it was a men’s jacket — and $295. Too rich for my blood!

Looking for a wallet-friendly option, it was time to hit up the Atlantic Center Target in Prospect Heights. The bull’s-eye recently released a capsule collection by Zac Posen which included a neon yellow raincoat with black trim and industrial hook and loop closures. So stylish! But upon closer inspection, the designer frock was shapeless and unflattering. Ugh.

Defeated, I nearly gave up my raincoat search until I stumbled into Sears in the Kings Plaza mall in Mill Basin. Now I never shop at this frumpy chain but was looking for a new purse for my grandmother (she loves the place). I was pleasantly surprised to discover a range of casual apparel and footwear from Lands’ End, which seems like a more affordable version of L.L.Bean.

I quickly made a beeline for a row of bright jackets (that’s my natural response upon spotting cute clothes). A lightweight and waterproof windbreaker in the prettiest periwinkle fit like a dream. Finally! The best part — the jacket was reduced from $50 to $35. Cute and cheap! You better believe I’ll be singing in the rain!

Sears [5100 Kings Plaza at Avenue U and Flatbush Avenue in Mill Basin, (718) 677-2100].

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: Tote your lunch in style

By Michèle De Meglio

In these hard economic times, it’s impractical for folks to spend $10 on lunch each day.

The wallet-friendly thing to do is to bring your lunch to work, but of course, you must tote your grub in style.

When choosing the perfect lunch pack, there’s just one question to ask yourself: Do you want something subtly chic or crazy cool?

If chic is your thing, purchase an eco-friendly Laptop Lunches system at Back to the Land Natural Foods on Seventh Avenue in Park Slope.

The kit includes a bento box with five inner compartments, lids to contain soup and sauces, and a slot for forks and spoons.

The compartments may seem small, but with so many, you can fit a well-balanced meal that will keep you full until dinnertime. The only drawback is that there’s a whole lot of stuff to hand-wash every night.

Folks who want to stand out - or just have a little fun - will be better suited with a retro metal lunchbox.

St. Mark’s Comics on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights has a huge collection of super cool lunchboxes. Choose a box outfitted with images of Spider-Man, the Smurfs or Kermit the Frog.
Pumps & Pleats is partial to the candy-themed boxes, such as one boasting, “Everyone needs a Sugar Daddy.”

There’s just one problem with this old-school lunchbox - it didn’t come with a thermos.

Back to the Land Natural Foods [142 Seventh Ave. between Garfield Place and Carroll Street in Park Slope, (718) 768-5654].

St. Mark’s Comics [148 Montague St. between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 935-0911].

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: Time to shop! T.J. Maxx is coming to Brooklyn!

Story and photo by Michèle De Meglio

Have you ever wondered how Brooklyn’s fashionistas can afford $600 Rebecca Minkoff satchels and $300 L.A.M.B. stilettos in this economy? I always do. Well, here’s the answer - they’re secret discount shoppers.

Purchasing purses and pumps at a designer discount store like Century 21 in Bay Ridge or Loehmann’s in Sheepshead Bay isn’t as elegant as shopping in Madison Avenue’s posh boutiques, but it will save you some green.

That’s why Pumps & Pleats is super excited that T.J. Maxx may soon open on East 15th Street between Kings Highway and Avenue P in Midwood. Maxx has a few locations in Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island, but this will be the chain’s first store in Brooklyn.

In honor of the shop’s reported October opening, I visited Marshalls on 86th Street in Bath Beach, which is owned by the same company as Maxx and sells the same designer duds. Really, these stores aren’t that much different.

The cool thing about Marshalls is that the purses are arranged by color. If pink purses aren’t your thing, head on down to the green section, or hop to the blue corner for a turquoise tote. It’s totally fun!

This Bath Beach Marshalls is more organized than the one in the Atlantic Center mall in Prospect Heights, but be prepared for purses left on the floor and shoes randomly strewn on the racks. Frankly, any designer discount shop you visit will be a mess.

To deal with the crazy conditions, you must be patient and determined to scour every last rack for that one fabulous find. That’s how I found the mate for a single fire engine red Tahari pump. Perseverance pays off!

Marshalls [1832 86th St. between Bay 19th and Bay 20th streets in Bath Beach, (718) 621-3434].

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: Get rad with Rodarte for Target

Photos courtesy of Target

By Michèle De Meglio

Target isn’t all about great prices on household goods. The mega-chain has made a name for itself with a series of hugely popular fashion collaborations.

The bull’s-eye brand has teamed with such designers as Anna Sui, Thakoon and even couture powerhouse Alexander McQueen to bring fashionistas cutting-edge pieces for wallet-friendly prices.

The latest collab is with Rodarte, a relatively new line blending romantic elements with tough touches.

A recent visit to the Atlantic Center Target had Pumps & Pleats elated to discover that much of the Rodarte line had been restocked (most pieces immediately sold out when they hit Brooklyn shelves last month). It’s like Christmas all over again!

This collection is more avant-garde than its predecessors. Anna Sui’s pretty party dresses are quite different from Rodarte’s sequin dress outlined with an image of a human rib cage. It could be a cool Halloween look.

The classic denim jacket gets a twist with an extra pair of pockets and delicate braided trim. Pass on the identical short-shorts and instead wear it with the navy lace skirt with tulle overlay.

One of the most coveted pieces in the collection was the belt. It’s a thin fabric belt in black or leopard secured with a sweet bow. It would be cute over one of Anna Sui’s A-line numbers.

There’s several things to keep in mind when shopping a Target collection. One, get there early. Most collections are released on Sunday mornings but some stores will put a few garments out a day or two before.

Two, grab now, try on later. Don’t leave a top on a rack and plan to pick it up after a fitting room visit. Chances are it’ll be gone. If you see something you like, grab it! And pick a second size just in case the first doesn’t work out.

Third, come back for seconds. If you visit a Target the day after a collection is released, you might be greeted by empty racks. Don’t fret, check back in a few days or even a week since many lines are often restocked.

Four, if shopping online, hop to it immediately. Most collections sell out in just a few hours.

With these tips you should be ready for future collaborations. Jean Paul Gaultier and Zac Posen are reportedly up next.

Target has three stores in Brooklyn — at the Triangle Junction at 1598 Flatbush Avenue, in Gateway Mall at 519 Gateway Drive, and at the Atlantic Center Mall at 139 Flatbush Avenue. Visit www.target.com for hours.

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: Adventures in Hooti Couture

Story and photos by Michèle De Meglio

Sometimes posh boutiques can feel stuffy and sterile. But over at Hooti Couture in Prospect Heights, it’s fun, fun and more fun all the time.

Every inch of the shop’s racks, walls and floor space is chock full of women’s apparel, shoes, purses, hats, jewelry and various accessories, all of which are from the 1940s to early 1980s.

Vintage shopping is a totally different animal. You could pass on a furry leopard purse and then come back 20 minutes later to discover that a smart shopper swiped it up. That’d be devastating!

The oh-my-I-must-get-it-now desperation makes shoppers more eager to buy, buy, buy all the vintage finds they can grab — even those that are a bit impractical.

Consider a pair of gold lamé mittens, which could pass for boxing gloves, adorned with large crystal beetles. Sounds ridiculous but, in person, these babies scream Chanel! So said shop owner Alison Houtte. Hey, she’s a former top fashion model and the author of “Alligators, Old Mink and New Money: One Woman’s Adventures in Vintage Clothing.” She should know what’s fab!

In fact, Houtte spent several weeks driving her Chevy Tahoe from Florida to Pennsylvania in search of the hottest vintage finds. These fall fashions are now on Hooti Couture’s jam-packed racks. Check back often — new stock is added several times a week. (Insider tip — Monday, Wednesday and Friday are the best days.)

There’s so much merchandise in Hooti Couture it will blow your mind! There’s mink coats in classic black, winter white and even navy. Also, drawers of bold chunky jewelry, a divine tangerine purse (less than $50!), spotless white cowboy boots and iridescent pink stiletto boots with studded buckles.

What called my name, you ask? Well, from the moment I entered the sweet shop, I was taunted by a 1980s black leather and suede crossbody bag covered with gold studs. Hanging from a white mirror, the bag oozed an edgy rock star vibe that would be perfect with my faux-leather motorcycle jacket. For $40, it was a steal so I bought it!

This one-of-a-kind vintage find is mine. Go to Hooti Couture and get your own!

Hooti Couture is located at 321 Flatbush Avenue. For hours, call 718-857-1977 or visit www.hooticouture.com.

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Dualing fashion weekends

Where does your fashion allegiance lie?

This weekend, two fashion festivals are coming to Williamsburg.

The longer running of the two, Williamsburg Fashion Weekend, now in its sixth season, comes to Secret Project Robot September 18 and 19, with shows on Racecar! by Nettie Tiso (offering designs for both men and women); Erin Weckerle (for Sodafine) and Sirius* (for Treehouse, Brooklyn).

The second, newcomer Brooklyn Fashion Festival, will be held the same nights at another borough newcomer, Knitting Factory, featuring shows by +AA-, James Yoest, Andoha, Jade, and Kallisti.

Both promise a convergence of art and culture, featuring up-and-coming local designers on the runway, as well as music and performance art, so you might find yourself darting back and forth to not miss the action. But if you think with your wallet, like we tend to do, WFW is free, while BFF tickets costs range from $12.50 to $17. And hey, the recession only ended Tuesday.

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Brooklyn Fashion Festival runs the runway show out of town

By Michèle De Meglio

Runway shows are so last season.

Over in Williamsburg, the team behind the Brooklyn Fashion Festival, running from September 18-19, is combining the coolest new spring looks with performance art.

“It will be on a theater-style stage and it will not be a traditional runway show,” explained Tom McAlister, who is co-producing the show with Xing Xu. “Expect to see something different. A lot of the artists are models or dancers so the shows are choreographed. The performance art elements are going to enhance the presentation of the clothing.”

Past shows have featured live music, trapeze artists and stilt walkers.

The festival comes on the heels of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park but unlike those Manhattan runway shows, the Brooklyn event will feature indie designers and be open to the public.

“We want to distinguish ourselves from Bryant Park,” McAlister said. “In combination with the fact that it’s accessible to the public for a ticket fee, it’s going to add a different perspective on the way fashion shows are presented.”

The Brooklyn Fashion Festival will be the second event held in the brand-new Knitting Factory Brooklyn, 361 Metropolitan Avenue.Knitting Factory, a popular music venue formerly housed in Tribeca, is putting the finishing touches on its new space, which is sure to become one of the hottest joints in the borough.

“The new renovation looks like it’s going to be beautiful,” McAlister said of the building that previously housed the Luna Lounge.

For the Brooklyn Fashion Festival, the entire Knitting Factory space will be used for the event.

“There’s a main room and another room for the lounge. We rented the whole area,” McAlister said.Emerging fashion designers are eagerly anticipating their chance to shine during the Brooklyn Fashion Festival.

The shows will feature Brooklyn locals Tar and Feather and design team +AA-, which is launching a daywear collection after previously designing lingerie for Donna Karan and sleepwear for Vera Wang.

Also in the lineup is Maira Santos Houck, who designs women’s sportswear in vibrant colors and patterns inspired by her native Brazil.

“I’m showing a collection that is inspired by a Brazilian festival. It’s very colorful, very bright, very Brazilian and very fun,” Houck said.

“I am very excited about being in the show and I’m very excited about showing in the Knitting Factory,” she added. “I think it’s a great opportunity.”

Tickets to the Brooklyn Fashion Festival are $12.50 in advance or $17 at the door. Tickets include admission to the on-site after-party featuring live music and performances.

For the September 18th show doors open at 7:30 p.m., on September 19th doors open at 7 p.m.

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Pumps & Pleats: Live the life of a pop-up shopper

The FancySexyMe team plays tug of war

Story and photos by Michèle De Meglio

The newest fad in fashion is the pop-up shop. Brooklyn has done Manhattan one better by having a 10-hour shopping party featuring the coolest emerging designers the borough has to offer.

The first-ever Williamsburg Indie Designer Soiree, held at the Arsenal on Roebling Street, offered shoppers a chance to score the newest and sweetest apparel and accessories from local artists. Many pieces were even available at a discount!

Bob Bland, Arsenal’s founder and the soiree’s organizer, displayed wares from her unbelievably awesome Brooklyn Royalty clothing line (www.brooklynroyalty.com). The most mind-blowing pieces had to be the lime green bandana and matching top that changed color with the wearer’s body temperature. The bubble gum pink that appears makes for a Claude Monet inspired watercolor print. Talk about a mood ring for clothing!

I couldn’t resist the bold jewelry from Prospect Heights-based Brookadelphia (www.brookadelphia.com). The flashy necklaces are made of laser cut acrylic that’s reminiscent of mirrors. They range from $30 to $50 and come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. My favorites are the pink unicorn (oh, childhood memories!), a mish-mashed line of tiny black circles, and gold splatters that channel images of Nickelodeon’s famous slime.

The Red Hook-based duo behind Ruffeo Hearts Lil’ Snotty (www.rhls.com) has created an 80s-inspired line of men’s and women’s apparel, including underwear in a color-block blend of purple, blue and brown, bright green and pink nylon short-shorts, and a super impressive blue sweatshirt featuring abstract shapes in various neon colors.


I absolutely adored the 60-inch-long necklaces from Williamsburg-based FancySexyMe (www.fancysexyme.com). The gold chains, $45-$60, serve as never-ending rows of glittering Swarovski crystals, which can be worn as one long strand or looped around your neck for three layers of bling.

Don’t count out Social Rebel (www.socialrebelclothing.com). Ever. The Williamsburg-based line brought an array of $25 T-shirts to the soiree that were emblazoned with a massive image of a woman’s head attached to a sharp blade. Designer Yana Galbshtein says the “Stella Von Dagger” persona represents women’s unrelenting strength. Fashion and empowerment — that’s a good pair!

Adding a dash of celebrity to the mix is Desira Pesta (www.desirapesta.com), who recently auditioned for fashion reality show “Project Runway.” Although asked to come back for the show’s next season, Pesta’s creations are a hit in her Red Hook home base. In particular, a $220 cherry red sheath with oversized ruffles is made of a cotton Lycra blend but feels like the richest satin.

An intricate jewelry line from Karen Keith (www.karenkeithdesigns.com) features the coolest creations reminiscent of vintage brass pieces. Keith uses recycled materials to create chokers and long chains adorned with dangling old-fashioned keys. Now that’s making trash work for you!

The second Williamsburg Indie Designer Soiree is scheduled for August 22 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Arsenal, 153 Roebling Street, studio 4B. Designers hoping to sell their goods at the event should e-mail thearsenalnyc@gmail.com, call 877-294-2728 or visit www.thearsenalnyc.com.

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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Pumps & Pleats: Old-school bling back in a big way

Story and photos by Michèle De Meglio

There’s Brooklyn pride and then there’s 80s Brooklyn pride.

I gotta say, the kitschy 1980s version is much more fun.

If you check out Mini Mini Market in Williamsburg, you’ll be greeted by a massive jewelry case loaded with Kings County-themed pieces that MC Lyte would’ve proudly worn.

The coolest has to be the Brooklyn Bridge necklace by Brookadelphia for $50. Sitting on a 14K gold fill chain, the bold pendant measures nearly three inches long and features the full bridge.

Pull your hair into a side ponytail, secure with a pink scrunchie and you’re 80s fabulous!

There’s another faux-gold pendant in big block letters spelling “BKLYN” and made to reflect light like a mirror. That will definitely garner attention on Bedford Avenue.

If you really want to send a message, pick up the $20 Brooklyn Double Finger Ring in gold or silvertone.

Here’s a tip for all you fighters –

When someone pisses you off, give him a good one with this baby on your middle and ring fingers. He’ll walk around with Brooklyn carved into his forehead for days.

Now that’s Brooklyn pride!

To make Salt-N-Pepa proud, Mini Mini Market also boasts a collection of faux-gold doorknocker earrings. You know, the ones with your name spelled out in script in the middle of a massive hoop. Every girl in my Canarsie middle school had a pair.

At Mini Mini Market, you can get your name on anything – from chunky rings to stud earrings and even a classic nameplate necklace. As the shop bills it, “Back in the day this was how you’d let the world know you were spoken for and you knew your boyfriend loved you even more when he sprinkled diamonds on it too!!”

Moving away from the sparkly jewelry case, Mini Mini Market is full of kooky – yet awesomely rockin’ – finds. There’s hot pink sunglasses shaped like hearts, peacock feather earrings, water bottles with apple prints, and wallets emblazoned with images of cats. But c’mon, who doesn’t need a ceramic unicorn?

The coolest or most cringe-worthy – depending on who you ask – part about Mini Mini Market’s Brooklyn-themed goods is that they’re likely bought by Williamsburg’s hipsters.

Oh, if only they were actually born and bred.

Mini Mini Market is located at 218 Bedford Avenue. For hours, call 718-302-9337.

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.

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